CHLOE DAO

She’s the winner of Bravo’s ‘Project Runway’ Season 2

The ‘Project Runway’ winner could have stayed in New York. Instead, she chose to build an empire at home in H-town.

Where we spend our money matters and when we buy local, our money does more good for our community than it does when we shop at big-box stores, so when you go shopping for surprises, whether they be for a birthday, holiday or major life milestone, consider supporting local entrepreneurs.

The pandemic has hit many families very hard, but luckily the giving spirit is alive and well. Local fashion designer Chloe Dao shares insight into why she loves Houston and the creative way she’s giving back to the city.

In the market for a new face mask? The Houston-native fashion designer and winner of “Project Runway Season 2″ has stepped up to design several versions of face masks, including one with a hidden straw hole called the “Safely Sip,” which allows you to safely sip your iced coffee while you’re out and about. The collection also features washable cotton face masks and Antibacterial Neoprene premium masks, with some that include a pocket where a filter can be added inside. Dao’s mask designs are made to allow you to feel stylish while feeling secure. To see the full collection of Dao’s face masks, click here.

“I closed my store on Tuesday, officially, because of the coronavirus, and I was really emotional about it,” she said. “I was like, ‘What can I possibly do to help?’” Dao said. She posted on social media offering free masks, and the response was overwhelming. She said she has since turned her focus to only providing masks for healthcare workers and hospitals, who are in dire need. Dao closed her boutique, but all her employees are working on the masks while keeping a safe social distance from each other.